Decent pay and public services key to Fairer Society

Speaking after the launch of Sinn Fein’s alternative budget ‘Delivering a Fair Recovery’ Dublin South West representative Seán Crowe TD said that the key to a fairer and more inclusive society lie not only in workers’ take home pay but by delivering first class public services.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“Sinn Féin’s alternative budget sets out our proposals to reverse growing disparities between the haves and the have-nots right across the island of Ireland.

“This is particularly important when it comes to pay and access to decent public services that deliver for citizens.

“Austerity measures that impact the greatest on the poor and less well-off, was the political choice this government took. That was their political choice, we would have and will take a different route.

“As a party we have committed to increasing the minimum wage from €8.65 to €9.65 by 2016 and workers at or below this increased rate will be excluded from the Universal Social Charge.

“For low paid workers in the Civil Service we will introduce a Living Wage of €11.45.

“As a society we need to demonstrate that work is valued and rewarded not only in a workers’ take home pay but also in public services that deliver first class quality services.

“When it comes to the issue of a living wage the onus should be on the State as the largest employer, to lead by example.

“Family Income Supplement should not be used as a subsidy for bad employers to pay subsistence wages while the wealthy get tax breaks.

“Our alternative budget tries to take a holistic approach towards improving the lives of all of our citizens

“It recognises that the provision of decent pay and fair working conditions while hugely significant will not be enough to tackle growing inequality between rich and poor.

“Our budget proposals commit to increased spending on public services with an additional 400 million capital investment programme prioritising housing and health.

“The bottom line is if we are serious about tackling social inequities then we need to address the related issues of low pay and access to quality public services that work for individuals and families regardless of location.”